What are the blood condition etiologies of anemia?

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome may be a cause of anemia. Hereditary spherocytosis either may present as a severe hemolytic anemia or may be asymptomatic with compensated hemolysis. Similarly, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency may manifest as chronic hemolytic anemia or exist without anemia until the patient receives an oxidant medication. Immunologic etiologies for anemia may include antibody-mediated abnormalities. In the emergency department (ED), acute hemorrhage is by far the most common etiology for anemia.

Anemia. Decreased production of red blood cells is suggested in certain patients with anemia. Bone marrow biopsy specimen allows categorization of patients with anemia without evidence of blood loss or hemolysis into 3 groups: aplastic or hypoplastic disorder, hyperplastic disorder, or infiltration disorder. Each category and its associated causes are listed in this image.

Microcytic anemia.

Peripheral smear showing classic spherocytes with loss of central pallor in the erythrocytes.